Summer Squash

Despite all the strange spring weather, the summer garden at La Colina is growing well. We have several different vegetables and fruits growing here and leading the pack are our selection of summer squashes. Italian Romanesco Zucchini, Gentry Yellow Crookneck, Geode round, and South African Gem Squash are now turning ripe and ready for market. Jane’s mom, Sue Hartsell, is visiting from North Carolina and today we decided to have a special lunch featuring our squash. With only a few simple ingredients, Jane whipped up a fresh pasta and squash lunch.

Olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper helped to bring out the flavor of each type of squash so we could taste and compare their individual flavors. Jane sauted everything in her cast iron skillet in just a few minutes and the smell was incredible. To complete the dish we cooked a gorgonzola/marscapone stuffed ravioli and served the squash over top.

The shapes and colors of the squash made a beautiful presentation. We sprinkled grated parmesan cheese and fresh parsley over the dish. On the side a crusty piece of bread and olive oil completed the meal. Italian Romanesco is a meaty zucchini with a nutty smooth flavor. The texture is slightly firm with a star pattern when sliced across the grain. Geode round is a very buttery mild squash and perfect for stuffing. Gentry Yellow Crookneck is gently tart with a smooth texture. We have one more vine called a South African Gem Squash. These will ripen in about a week.

Top it all off with a crisp, clean Pinot Grigio and lunch is served. Keep it simple and summer fresh.

White Chocolate Mini Cheesecakes

We are making these cheesecakes to showcase our Key Lime Marmalade. This is a lowfat recipe to satisfy your sweet tooth with a creamy little morsel.